Salem Church Hit Amid Rash Of Anti-LGBTQ Vandalism Across City

SALEM, MA — A rash of anti-LGBTQ vandalism discovered early Wednesday morning — including a church door on Washington Street — in Salem was condemned by Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo and Police Chief Lucas Miller as police ask for any witnesses to help identify those responsible for what Miller called a "hate crime."

Police said the door of the Tabernacle Congregational Church was tagged with vandalism reading "Cancel LGBTQ 2024" at about 3:30 a.m. and the nearby Pride-themed crosswalk was also defaced. Police said they were investigating reports of other vandalism targeting Pride-themed flags and crosswalks across the city.

Police Chief Lucas Miller said anyone found responsible will be charged and prosecuted.

"We take any hate crime seriously in Salem and my department will work diligently to charge those responsible," Miller said. "Targeting the LGBTQ community and defacing a church is unacceptable."

Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said that the vandalism targeting the LGBTQIA+ community is "contrary to who we are and to our city's values."

"So many have worked hard to make Salem a place where everyone can feel safe and welcome," Pangallo said. "I strongly condemn this act of hate and stand firmly with those members of our community who identify as LGBTQIA+.

"The Salem Police are acting quickly to identify those responsible and bring them to justice," Pangallo added on social media. "To our LGBTQIA+ neighbors, please know that your city stands with you and unequivocally condemns these criminal acts of hate."

Anyone who witnesses what police called "these malicious acts" is asked to contact the Salem Police Criminal Investigation Division at 978-745-9700 or Salem police dispatch at 978-744-1212. Anonymous tips can also be left on the anonymous tip line at 978-619-5627.

"We do not tolerate acts of hate like this in Salem or anywhere in Sixth District," U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton said via his X/Twitter account.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)